MSPC Newsletter - Term 4 Week 2, 14th October 2021

Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers

It is terrific to start the new term with students in class. Hopefully, we will be able to keep it that way for the term. The community has proven itself very resilient in its ability to adapt to change. None more so than our Year 12s who have come back for three weeks of Term 4, to prepare for their HSC examinations. They will graduate on Wednesday 27th October in a manner that meets the current restrictions.

Thank you to the parents for their support of the rules that are in place. A reminder that it is a requirement of all high school students to wear a mask while inside at school and it is recommended outside. Because of the mask rules across the community, the expectation is that students are bringing their own masks from home. They should not come without a mask. We do have masks available, but this should be an exception.

I have had numerous questions regarding the covid regulations. As a College, our source of truth is NSW Health which I believe has been doing a fantastic job in trying circumstances. Catholic Schools NSW and Lismore Catholic Schools Office assist by interpreting these for our schools.  Any changes in regulations in regards to students and school will come from the College. 

STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
In a disjointed year, it can be difficult to achieve the consistency of practice that we would like. However, with students present at the College, I must be clear that our expectations are high. The standard of dress, grooming and application to studies will be enforced and I seek your assistance in the students meeting these guidelines. Some students have been pushing the boundaries in regards piercings, haircuts and uniform and they have been asked to rectify these areas before they return to the College.

ST THERESE OF LISIEUX
Lisieux House is named after St Therese of Lisieux who is revered through her resilience in hardship and finding holiness in the ordinary things of our daily life. Her Feast Day was in the recent holidays on 1st October. She said, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” What a wonderful example for us to try and emulate as we journey together.  

Mrs Margaret Baldini as Head of Lisieux has been at the front leading and cajoling Lisieux students to be the best they can be. She has been a strong and diligent leader for many years. This term Mrs Baldini is on leave and her role is being filled by Mr Mitchel Rice. Good luck Mr Rice, you have a big act to follow, but I know you are up for the challenge.

Be the Good and God Bless

  Paul Reidy
  Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Welcome Back to Term 4

I hope all members of the College community were able to have a relaxing and enjoyable zoom-free break recently. We look forward to a busy Term 4 as we approach the ‘climax’ of the year’s activities.

We will be celebrating with Year 12 their Graduation Mass, Morning Tea and Assembly on Wednesday 27^th October at the Gilbey Centre commencing at 10am. Unfortunately, only Year 12 and staff will be able to attend these events in person. However, the ceremonies will be streamed for parents and other students to enjoy.

Year 12, and Accelerating Year 11 students, begin their HSC Exams on Tuesday 9^th November and finish on 2^nd December. The Year 12 Formal and Presentation Evening will take place from 6pm on Friday 3^rd December at the Gilbey Centre for Year 12, their parents and staff.

Monday 1^st November will be a Staff Development Day at the College and students are not required to be in attendance on this day. This day is also the Feast of All Saints and All Souls Day is celebrated on 2^nd November. This year the latter feast coincides with the running of the annual Melbourne Cup!

We are looking forward to having Year 7 2022 Orientation Days in House groups on Thursday 28^th October and Thursday 4^th November. Unfortunately, we are unable to have an ‘in person’ Parent Information Evening in the Gilbey Centre due to restrictions.

Year 7 and 10 Exams being on Tuesday 2^nd November and Years 8 and 9 on Tuesday 9^th November. Year 7 – 11 parents will receive their student/s Beacon Results on Monday 8^th November.

  Mary-Anne McShane
  Assistant Principal: Mission

MINISTRY

PRAYER SPONSORS FOR YEAR 12 HSC STUDENTS

Prayer Sponsors have been proposed for the Year 12 students of Mt St Patrick College during their HSC exams. A prayer sponsor is someone who prays for another person at specific times with a specific intention in mind.  When someone is sponsored they know that someone else is praying for them at that time.

A strong aspect of our Catholic and Christian Faith is the efficacy of prayer (i.e. prayer does make a difference).  At the same time the injunction “Pray as if everything depended on God; work as if everything depended on you” has its own wisdom.

I appeal to parents, family and friends of our Year 12 HSC class to make themselves available as a prayer sponsor.  Knowing that someone is praying for you at a difficult time is a source of great strength and consolation.

If you are interested in being a Prayer Sponsor for a Year 12 student from Mt St Patrick College, please phone during office hours (66722340) and leave your name, address and name of student (if specific student wanted) with Lesa or Jan at the office. The following prayer may be of use.

Today I wish to remember _________________________from Mount St. Patrick College.

During her/his HSC Exams, give them the strength to complete the exams to the best of her/his ability. Help them to remain calm and to think and write clearly so that they remember the things which they have learned and studied.

Give them the opportunity to show what they know and to have acceptance of her/his efforts after the exam.  Fire up in them the determination of St. Paul who ran the good race till the end and who proclaimed 'If God is for us who can be against".

We pray this through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

  Mick O'Donohue
  Leader of Evangelisation

Welfare

  Louise Shields
  Leader of Student Welfare

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Welcome back to Term 4 for all students. Term 4 is a time for consolidating learning and preparing for final assessments which will guide our pedagogy for next year. COVID has caused some anxiety and disruption for students but we are grateful that in comparison to many other schools we have been able to attend school for the majority of the time. 

Year 12 returned to formal lessons last week on a very positive note. Students organised some fun activities and dress ups to keep the mood light and enjoy their time together. The MSPC spirit was definitely alive. Last Friday’s Hawaiian shirt mufti and sausage sizzle organised by Year 12 and the Indigenous students demonstrated our community’s concern for others in need and raised money for the Wilcannia community which is struggling due to COVID. The final activity was an epic water bomb fight between the Year 12 students and staff. 3000 biodegradable water bombs were pelted at each team. I do believe the teachers finished victors. 

Year 12 are now focussing on preparing for the HSC exams and doing their best to give themselves the best opportunities when they leave school. We wish them well. The HSC teachers are offering varied support to ensure the students are prepared. We hope the students take advantage of these opportunities. We look forward to celebrating the Graduation ceremony in Week 4 and the Formal at the end of the HSC.

Senior Honour Awards
Year 12 were presented with their senior honour awards for their exceptional contribution to the College at a zoom assembly. Their names will now appear on the prestigious Honour Boards in Presentation House. I encourage Year 11 to be inspired by Year 12 and aim to achieve at least one of these awards in their final year at MSPC.

Year 11 have begun their first term of their HSC courses and need to remember that everything they learn this term is relevant to the HSC. It is no longer “just Year 11”. Nearly 50 students are completing a HSC subject as accelerants and have the difficult task of preparing for a HSC examination but also commencing their other HSC subjects. We wish them well.

Year 7- 10 are preparing for their final assessment tasks in Weeks 5 and 6. All students should be consulting the assessment portal and not leaving things to the last minute to prepare for these tasks.

  Narelle Sherrah
  Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching

Curriculum

With the commencement of the new term, Year 12 can see the HSC goal posts ahead. It has been a long and a sometimes arduous journey for Year 12 due to the uncertainty of COVID restrictions and remote learning, but they have risen to the challenges admirably. The end is now in sight and Year 12 are encouraged to stay focused and give the last phase of their HSC preparation their very best. It has been a delight to witness the camaraderie and school spirit our seniors have displayed enjoying each others’ company during the fun activities organised this term at lunch and in the staff versus Year 12 competitions.

For Year 11, Term 4 is an important transition as students begin their HSC studies and they have settled well into their first weeks of studying HSC courses. This is a crucial time for Year 11 to review their study routines and habits of learning. Results from the Year 11 Exams should be scrutinised carefully and gaps in a student’s learning should be addressed. Students are encouraged to be proactive and seek advice from their teachers as to what they can do to consolidate their understanding in their various courses in order to move their learning forward.

Years 7 to 10 are well underway studying their Term 4 units. Assessment blocks have been scheduled for later this term as follows:

Week 5 - Years 7 and 10

Week 6 - Years 8 and 9

While the majority of assessments will be completed during the assessment block, some subjects will not be assessed during this period, depending on the nature of the subject/task and where students are at with their learning. Notification of assessments are posted in the MSPC Assessment Portal and students can access this remotely using their school email and log in: https://moodle.mursclism.catholic.edu.au/

Assessment Term 4 - Weeks 3 and 4:  The following table is an overview of assessments:

  Jo McDonald
  Leader of Curriculum

Faculty News

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

TERM 4 ARRANGEMENTS
Students at the College have again demonstrated remarkable resilience. Unfortunately under current restrictions, weekly sport cannot go ahead. An alternate program has been put in place whereby each year group will be participating in a 45 minute PE practical lesson and a 45 minute 'at desk activity' like cards, games or reading during our Sport afternoon. This is the best we can do under current restriction levels. And of course it rained this week forcing another change and students could not get out and be active. I am sure there is light at the end of the tunnel!.

CANCELLATIONS
All Diocesan and local sport competitions have unfortunately been cancelled for the entire Term. Below is a list of the cancelled sports event which will not run in 2021:

Week 1 Dio Volleyball 

Week 3 Berg and Downie Shield cricket competitions 

Week 4 Diocesan Gymanstics & Gilchrist, Phelps and Larsen Shield Cricket T20’s

Week 5 Dio Senior Water Polo 

Week 6 Dio Golf & Dio Junior Water Polo 

Week 7 Sports Enrichment Camp 

BFG TERM 4
No, not the Big Friendly Giant, Bolt For Gold! Back by popular demand from students and staff alike is the incredibly popular BFG Challenges. During blended learning the College set up two challenges using this free app. Over 150 students and staff took place in both.

The BFG is a mobile phone app (free on apple and android) which tracks your physical activity. You simply download the app, log in, select the school tile and register your details at the MSPC event. The password for the challenge which is open until the end of term is MAGPIES. Parents can access it as well and use it as an incentive to go for a walk, a run, a ride, skate, horse ride, etc. with your kids or spouse. You can keep track of your total distance and even if your competitive side takes over, climb the leaderboard.

RETRO JERSEY SALE
With the cancellation of so much sport over the last 18 months it has given the Sport Department time to stocktake our uniforms. We have run out of room and are looking to create space by having a retro uniform clearout. Old, and I mean old, football jerseys, basketball uniforms singlets and pants, athletics singlets have simply got to go!!!!

Prices will be slashed. If you are looking for some retro active wear at the right price, here’s your chance. The sale will take place in Week 4 at lunchtimes.

  Tim Whitney
  Sports Coordinator

College News

‘KALEIDOSCOPE’ UPDATE

‘Kaleidoscope’, the Arts Grant Project, is approaching its final phase. The participating students are weeks away from recording the musical adaptations of their illustrated narratives. The Project has involved a series of dynamic workshops co-ordinated by Matt Ottley, Celia Pennay and Zanni Louise. Each workshop has provided a unique opportunity for the students to acquire new skills and insights. The students have approached the Project with an exemplary level of dedication and the work that has been created has been a delight to witness. We look forward to showcasing these creations later this term.

  The ‘Kaleidoscope’ Co-ordinators

P & F MEETING

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th October via Zoom. The link is included below:

Puzzle Corner

Can you solve the puzzle below?

How many triangles can you see in the shape below?

If you think you have the solution, please see/email Mrs Bevan. The first 5 correct answers will receive a prize.

Awards

CO-ORDINATOR'S, PRINCIPAL'S AND COLLEGE AWARDS

LISIEUX CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS

Year 7: Elliza Campbell, Samantha Crowley, Ayla East, Dougall Hughes, Mitchell Johnston, Tulleelah Murphy, Tara O’Donnell, Amity Page (2), Cain Twomey, Alexander Wellm

Year 8:  Chase Adams, Harper Boddie, Maia Fergus-Mackie, Flynn Jones, Elise Page, Matthew Ryan, Neve Trembath, Ulani Uhlmann, Estella Wong

Year 9: Kaitlyn Antonelli, Alexander Crowley, Anja Griffin, Amelia Keyes, Olivia Mason, Annaliese Schmechtig

Year 10: Kaleb Boddie, Seth Moore, Morgan O’Connor, Mia Page, William Quantrill, Tabitha Stratton (2)

Year 11: Mia Adams, Zatalia Gumm, Edith Hampson, Zach Simpson, Tenika Twomey (2)

Year 12: Morgan Burgess, Matthew Colnan, Imogen Evans, Rose Evans, Evie Falkner, Jemima Forsyth, Zoe Hawkins, Joshua Lees, Ella McKnight, Mayah McLean (2), Lia Newland, Linsey Thomson, Jayden Vidler

LISIEUX PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 7: Elliza Campbell, Samantha Crowely, Dougall Hughes, Mitchell Johnston, Amity Page

Year 8: Harper Boddie, Flynn Jones, Ulani Uhlmann, Estella Wong

Year 9: Olivia Mason

Year 10: Morgan O’Connor, William Quantrill, Tabitha Stratton

Year 11: Edith Hampson, Zach Simpson, Tenika Twomey

Year 12: Imogen Evans, Ella McKnight, Mayah McLean

LISIEUX COLLEGE AWARDS

Year 10: William Quantrill, Tabitha Stratton

Year 11: Zach Simpson, Tenika Twomey

Year 12: Ella McKnight, Mayah McLean

LORETO CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS

Year 7: Marley Abbott, Ryder Akehurst, Lukas Bain, Tully Fitzpatrick, Tyler Follett, Minnow Glynn, Keira Hair, Rinrada Khamkaew, Taya Oates, Eden Petrie, Hugh Robinson, Maddison Shackell, Chloe Shoobridge, Sachin Smith

Year 8: Sienna Bice, Rachael Devoy, Joshua Hawkins, Cruz Kill, Lachlan Maclean, Jake Shackell, Trisha Sharma, Delilah Teague

Year 9: Miller Akehurst, Ochre Barnden-Panton, Zane Chisholm, John Dunbar, Nicholas Males, Tahlia Males, William Wallace, Joshua Wharton

Year 10: Isabella Anderson, Dylan Gale, Wyatt Gradisnik, Isobel Gresham, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Warne

Year 11: Indah-Lily Darsana, Darcy Greenbury, Halle McClymont, Alicia Strickland

Year 12: Sequoia Arnaud-Gower, Phoebe Hockley, Lili Hopkins

LORETO PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 7: Keira Hair, Eden Petrie, Maddison Shackell, Sachin Smith

Year 8: Trisha Sharma, Delilah Teague

Year 9: John Dunbar

Year 10: Isobel Gresham

Year 11: Indah-Lily Darsana

Year 12: Sequoia Arnaud-Gower, Phoebe Hockley

LORETO COLLEGE AWARDS

Year 9: John Dunbar

Year 11: Indah-Lily Darsana

Year 12: Sequoia Arnaud-Gower

LUCAN CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS

Year 7: Elliott Gracie, Milla Hartwig-Costello, Grace Johnston, Milana Mutton, Olivia Northeast, Kaulana O’Farrell-Carter, Eboni Rawson, Jack Thornton, Menzie Tucker (2), Brayden Drabowicz,

Year 8: Jesse Barrett, Amelia Carr, Rhys Johnston, Emelia Thompson

Year 9: Gabrielle Flood, Kai Mumford, Finlay Purnell

Year 10: Liam Ferguson, Scott Kennedy, Amaya Scard, Ella Spratt, Lily Van Den Driest

Year 11: Sean Carney, Kye Haywood (2), Jordynne Ricciuti, Piper Rigney, Kimberly Scard, Edie Thurtell

Year 12: Jordan Arthur, Cedona Crane, Georgia Hutton, Amelie Purnell

LUCAN PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 7: Milla Hartwig-Costello, Milana Mutton, Olivia Northeast, Kaulana O’Farrell-Carter, Eboni Rawson

Year 8: Amelia Carr

Year 9: Gabrielle Flood, Kai Mumford

Year 11: Sean Carney, Kye Haywood, Kimberly Scard

Year 12: Amelie Purnell

LUCAN PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 9: Gabrielle Flood

NAGLE CO-ORDINATOR'S AWARDS

Year 7: Maddison Darby, Matilda Dunnachie, Cooper Leeson, Shaylee Minahan, Nicholas Piccini, Chelsea Templeton, Sequoia Wadley

Year 8: Molly Dean, Isiah Doevendans, Jamie Howitt, Crystal Vernon, Indiana Wadley, Benjamin Wilson

Year 9: Maya Rogers

Year 10: Shana Kussrow, Georgia Lollback, Rhiannon Nolan-Stiens, Maya O’Callaghan, Bailee Pedlow

Year 11: Bede Curnow, Charlie Gibbons, Charlotte Hudson, Bryce Matlock (2)

Year 12: Cameron Evans

NAGLE PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 7: Maddison Darby, Chelsea Templeton

Year 8: Molly Dean, Isiah Doevendans, Jamie Howitt, Benjamin Wilson

Year 9: Maya Rogers

Year 11: Charlotte Hudson, Bryce Matlock

NAGLE PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

Year 8: Isiah Doevendans, Benjamin Wilson

Year 11: Bryce Matlock

Canteen Roster & Term 4 Planner

The following roster will only come into affect if restrictions remain lifted and we allowed to return to the College. If we are in lockdown due to COVID 19 and restrictions are in place then no volunteers will be permitted onsite until further notice. Thank you for you support.

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